2013 UK Ford Fiesta Champions!
Andy Foley won the 2013 UK Ford Fiesta championship after a tense final round at Brands Hatch where 5 drivers went into the race with a genuine chance of claiming the title. Brother Matt Foley finished the championship 4th overall, in which was the most competitive year of the championship yet.
Without drop scores it would have been a different story, Matt would have won the title, with Andrew coming 2nd, ultimately proving the most consistant and reliable team throughout the year, which, when you consider the budget they were running on, was even more impressive.
A great achievement for Foley motorsport, and for both Dave Gray of DMG Autosport and Jason Cooper, claiming the title on both sides of the pit wall two years on the trot!
Without drop scores it would have been a different story, Matt would have won the title, with Andrew coming 2nd, ultimately proving the most consistant and reliable team throughout the year, which, when you consider the budget they were running on, was even more impressive.
A great achievement for Foley motorsport, and for both Dave Gray of DMG Autosport and Jason Cooper, claiming the title on both sides of the pit wall two years on the trot!
No plans for racing in 2013
After winning the Fiesta championship in 2012, and not being able to find the funding to move up, Jason will be supporting others racing in 2013. Firstly he will be a mechanic, driver coach and data analyst for Swift Cooper in the BRSCC National FF1600 championship, working with his brother Luke in a Swift SC92F and James Raven in a Swift SC10.
Jason will also be supporting DMG Autosport and Foley motorsport in the UK Ford Fiesta ST championship, where he will again be a mechanic, driver coach and data analyst for Matt Foley and Andy Foley in their championship assault.
In addition, Jason will be providing services at his workshop at Castle Combe Circuit and at the race meetings including:
Race car preperation
Full car builds
Accident repair work
Mechanical servicing
Engine and gearbox rebuilds
Wiring loom manufacture and installation
Data logging installation and setup
Race car setup, including wheel alignments and corner weighting
Driver coaching
Jason will also be supporting DMG Autosport and Foley motorsport in the UK Ford Fiesta ST championship, where he will again be a mechanic, driver coach and data analyst for Matt Foley and Andy Foley in their championship assault.
In addition, Jason will be providing services at his workshop at Castle Combe Circuit and at the race meetings including:
Race car preperation
Full car builds
Accident repair work
Mechanical servicing
Engine and gearbox rebuilds
Wiring loom manufacture and installation
Data logging installation and setup
Race car setup, including wheel alignments and corner weighting
Driver coaching
02/09/12 - R13+R14 Snetterton review
2012 UK Ford Fiesta Champions!
Jason did not test for this round of the championship even though he had not driven the 200 layout before. Free practice was the first time out on the circuit, scrubbing in some new tyres and getting his eye in, managing to get a couple of fast laps in before oil was dropped on the circuit, 2nd fastest 0.070 down.
With all 3 classes racing together quailifying prooved to be difficult to find enough space for a clear lap, although Jason just about managed it to claim his 7th pole of the season to retain his 100% record, although only by a slender 0.027 from Nick Bowers.
Jason had a good start and pulled a slight gap at the start of the race, although fast starting Aaron Trigwell managed to slipstream back onto him. After a few laps Trigwell dropped back and Jason pulled a clear lead, which he held, even with having to dodge some backmarkers towards the end of the race! Just missed out on fastest lap by a tenth.
5th was pulled out of the hat for race 2, putting jason on the inside of row 3. A good start was hampered by slow starting cars ahead. Some good battles working forwards through the race, with only a trip accross the grass after an ABS incident braking into Brundle losing a certain podium. 4th position, and fastest lap - another lap record was a good result.
The points scored over the weekend was enough to secure both the ST class and overall championship without having to contest the final round at Brands Hatch, which Jason will not be competing due to lack of budget.
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/123532ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/007FFCreport2012Snetterton.pdf
Final championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
Jason did not test for this round of the championship even though he had not driven the 200 layout before. Free practice was the first time out on the circuit, scrubbing in some new tyres and getting his eye in, managing to get a couple of fast laps in before oil was dropped on the circuit, 2nd fastest 0.070 down.
With all 3 classes racing together quailifying prooved to be difficult to find enough space for a clear lap, although Jason just about managed it to claim his 7th pole of the season to retain his 100% record, although only by a slender 0.027 from Nick Bowers.
Jason had a good start and pulled a slight gap at the start of the race, although fast starting Aaron Trigwell managed to slipstream back onto him. After a few laps Trigwell dropped back and Jason pulled a clear lead, which he held, even with having to dodge some backmarkers towards the end of the race! Just missed out on fastest lap by a tenth.
5th was pulled out of the hat for race 2, putting jason on the inside of row 3. A good start was hampered by slow starting cars ahead. Some good battles working forwards through the race, with only a trip accross the grass after an ABS incident braking into Brundle losing a certain podium. 4th position, and fastest lap - another lap record was a good result.
The points scored over the weekend was enough to secure both the ST class and overall championship without having to contest the final round at Brands Hatch, which Jason will not be competing due to lack of budget.
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/123532ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/007FFCreport2012Snetterton.pdf
Final championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
16/08/12 - R11+R12 Brands Hatch review
Another sucessful weekend at Brands Hatch now sees the championship in sight.
Jason only tested on the Friday morning to get familiar with the track and save precious £'s. Although the track was seriously busy with historic saloons to BTCC and GT competitors, Jason lapped under the lap record even with his sucess ballast.
Fastest in a dry-wet-dry free practice by half second boosted Jasons confidence for the weekend races further. Qualifying was much a repeat of practice, going out on a dry track only for it to rain, with the fastest times coming in the dying minutes. Pole by 4 tenths was reward in timing the lap to perfection.
With no problems for the car, Jason elected to skip the Sunday mornings free practice to concentrate on the races. About an hour before the first race it rained hard, leaving the whole grid to have to make a late decision on tyres. Jason chose slicks all round with the track drying fast, with fellow front row starter Nick Bowers choosing slicks up front and wets on the rear. A good start, even on the wet side of the grid saw Jason hold the lead into turn one, but Bowers was more confident at Druids with the wets on the rear, going side by side all the way down to Graham Hill. Jason managed to hold the inside, and from that point on pulled away quickly, ending with a 17 second margin over Aaron Trigwell.
4th was pulled out for the reverse grid, which pleased Jason, as its a prime starting slot for Brands owing to the gradient on the startline. Living up to his promice, Jason had an electric start to come from 4th to lead at the first corner, and after just 3 laps had built a 3 second lead. Unfortunately the race was red flagged due to Aaron Trigwell hitting the pitwall. the race was re-started in the positions the drivers were in at the time of the red flag, so Jason started on pole with Nick Bowers second. It was Nicks turn to have an electric start and he squeesed into the lead on the run upto druids. Jason managed to find a way past 2 laps later on the aptly named Cooper straight, and drove to victory by just under 5 seconds.
With the bonus points for pole, and fastest laps in both races it was a maximum points haul again for Jason, now only needing 22 points at Snetterton to wrap up the title.
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/123131ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/006FFCreport2012BrandsHatch.pdf
Latest championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
Jason only tested on the Friday morning to get familiar with the track and save precious £'s. Although the track was seriously busy with historic saloons to BTCC and GT competitors, Jason lapped under the lap record even with his sucess ballast.
Fastest in a dry-wet-dry free practice by half second boosted Jasons confidence for the weekend races further. Qualifying was much a repeat of practice, going out on a dry track only for it to rain, with the fastest times coming in the dying minutes. Pole by 4 tenths was reward in timing the lap to perfection.
With no problems for the car, Jason elected to skip the Sunday mornings free practice to concentrate on the races. About an hour before the first race it rained hard, leaving the whole grid to have to make a late decision on tyres. Jason chose slicks all round with the track drying fast, with fellow front row starter Nick Bowers choosing slicks up front and wets on the rear. A good start, even on the wet side of the grid saw Jason hold the lead into turn one, but Bowers was more confident at Druids with the wets on the rear, going side by side all the way down to Graham Hill. Jason managed to hold the inside, and from that point on pulled away quickly, ending with a 17 second margin over Aaron Trigwell.
4th was pulled out for the reverse grid, which pleased Jason, as its a prime starting slot for Brands owing to the gradient on the startline. Living up to his promice, Jason had an electric start to come from 4th to lead at the first corner, and after just 3 laps had built a 3 second lead. Unfortunately the race was red flagged due to Aaron Trigwell hitting the pitwall. the race was re-started in the positions the drivers were in at the time of the red flag, so Jason started on pole with Nick Bowers second. It was Nicks turn to have an electric start and he squeesed into the lead on the run upto druids. Jason managed to find a way past 2 laps later on the aptly named Cooper straight, and drove to victory by just under 5 seconds.
With the bonus points for pole, and fastest laps in both races it was a maximum points haul again for Jason, now only needing 22 points at Snetterton to wrap up the title.
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/123131ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/006FFCreport2012BrandsHatch.pdf
Latest championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
03/07/12 - R9+R10 Rockingham review
A busy week was had in the run upto Rockingham, with a number of very late nights to get the car back together after Cadwell Park, still finding problems like a bent front hub on Friday mornings test.
Jason was fastest in practice by 1.1 seconds, and qualified on pole by 8 tenths.
In race 1 Jason got a reasonable start, with Nick Bowers longside on the run to the first corner. Jason held the lead and pumped in a number of quick laps to open up a comfortable gap. Most of the race was maintaining the gap, that was until they caught the backmarkers, which wiped out the gap. Jason held on to win his joker race (scoring double points) by 2 seconds, with the bonus point for fastest lap.
Starting 5th for the reverse grid of race 2 with 30kgs of success ballast, Jason survived a number of knocks and scrapes on the opening lap, latching onto the lead battle with John langridge and Nick Bowers, the three of them nose to tail for almost the whole race. Jason managing to steal 2nd on the run to the line by just 0.013.
After a frustrating round at Cadwell Park it is great to get the championship back on track, extending the lead from just 1 point to 21 points before drops.
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/122632ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/005FFCreport2012Rockingham.pdf
Latest championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
Jason was fastest in practice by 1.1 seconds, and qualified on pole by 8 tenths.
In race 1 Jason got a reasonable start, with Nick Bowers longside on the run to the first corner. Jason held the lead and pumped in a number of quick laps to open up a comfortable gap. Most of the race was maintaining the gap, that was until they caught the backmarkers, which wiped out the gap. Jason held on to win his joker race (scoring double points) by 2 seconds, with the bonus point for fastest lap.
Starting 5th for the reverse grid of race 2 with 30kgs of success ballast, Jason survived a number of knocks and scrapes on the opening lap, latching onto the lead battle with John langridge and Nick Bowers, the three of them nose to tail for almost the whole race. Jason managing to steal 2nd on the run to the line by just 0.013.
After a frustrating round at Cadwell Park it is great to get the championship back on track, extending the lead from just 1 point to 21 points before drops.
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/122632ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/005FFCreport2012Rockingham.pdf
Latest championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
08/06/12 - R7+R8 Cadwell Park review
A difficult weekend was had at Cadwell, which started off badly with a gearbox problem on Friday testing.
Jason was fastest in free practice, and gained another pole position, but stalling at the start of a wet first race saw his weekend go downhill. Dropping to 5th place, Jason fought his way up to 3rd before a safetycar bunched the pack back up. On the restart, the top 3 were very close, but a moment by the first two cars caused Jason to have to hit the brakes through Hall bends, which ended in a heavy crash in the armco. Fastest lap was little reward.
Dave Grey from www.dmgautosport.co.uk , Jason and his dad Alan worked furiously to get the car back together for the afternoons race, where Jason drove to stomer to come from dead last to 5th with fastest lap.
Full results can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/2nd-3rdJune.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/004FFCreport2012CadwellPark.pdf
Latest championship positions here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
Jason was fastest in free practice, and gained another pole position, but stalling at the start of a wet first race saw his weekend go downhill. Dropping to 5th place, Jason fought his way up to 3rd before a safetycar bunched the pack back up. On the restart, the top 3 were very close, but a moment by the first two cars caused Jason to have to hit the brakes through Hall bends, which ended in a heavy crash in the armco. Fastest lap was little reward.
Dave Grey from www.dmgautosport.co.uk , Jason and his dad Alan worked furiously to get the car back together for the afternoons race, where Jason drove to stomer to come from dead last to 5th with fastest lap.
Full results can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/2nd-3rdJune.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/004FFCreport2012CadwellPark.pdf
Latest championship positions here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
08/06/12 - R5+R6 Donington Park review
Great weekend at Donington Park on the full GP circuit supporting the FIA Superstars meeting.
Fastest in free practice, pole position. Poor start in race 1 coupled with a braking problem dropped Jason down the order. A fantastic dice, bar an incident with Andrew Foley, saw Jason recover to 2nd place with fastest lap. A dominant 1st in race 2 with another fastest lap and a lap record rounded off a successful weekend.
Full results can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/FordFiesta.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/003FFCreport2012DoningtonPark.pdf
Latest championship positions here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
Fastest in free practice, pole position. Poor start in race 1 coupled with a braking problem dropped Jason down the order. A fantastic dice, bar an incident with Andrew Foley, saw Jason recover to 2nd place with fastest lap. A dominant 1st in race 2 with another fastest lap and a lap record rounded off a successful weekend.
Full results can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/FordFiesta.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/003FFCreport2012DoningtonPark.pdf
Latest championship positions here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
08/06/12 - R3+R4 Snetterton Review
Mega start to the season continued at Snetterton with a maximum score! 2nd fastest in free practice, pole position, 1st in race 1 with fastest lap and 1st in race 2 with fastest lap!
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/121731ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/002FFCreport2012Snetterton.pdf
Latest championship ositions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
Full results can be found here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/121731ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/002FFCreport2012Snetterton.pdf
Latest championship ositions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
21/04/12 - R3+R4 Snetterton Preview
The second meeting of the season is at Snetterton in Norfolk, where I will be looking to contuinue on the solid start to the year. I will have to carry 30kgs of success ballast through at least qualifying and the first race, we will have to wait and see if this will compromise the weekends results on a very different track to Silverstone.
The timetable has been released for Rounds 3 and 4 at Snetterton on 28/29 April:
http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/Timetable-Snetterton28_29April2012-Issue2.pdf
The timetable has been released for Rounds 3 and 4 at Snetterton on 28/29 April:
http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/Timetable-Snetterton28_29April2012-Issue2.pdf
09/04/12 - R1+R2 Silverstone review
What a start to the season! Fastest in free practice, Fastest in Qualifying, 1st in race 1, 1st in race 2 with fastest lap. Only missed out on a maximum score with fastest lap in race 1 by a tenth!
In contrast to friday testing, practice was wet, but quickly drying. Fastest lap was set near the start of the session before the tyres got too hot, ending 5 tenths up. The track dried in time for qualifying on saturday afternoon, the session was split into two with a red flag, but managed to get pole by 3 tenths.
More rain on Saturday night saw a wet start to Sunday, much like Saturday. Everyone started on wets, but the track was drying quickly. A good start developed into a healthy 5.5 second lead, but a late safety car wiped all of this out. Restart saw Nick Bowers back on my tail, but managed to hold him off and win by 8 tenths.
New for 2012 is success ballast and reverse grids, the grid draw saw the top 8 from race 1 reversed for the start of race 2, and 30kgs added to the winner. The weather dried out for race 2. A good start saw me gain a position on the run to the first corner, then a crash at the front saw me jump from 7th to 3rd. It only took a lap to catch the early leaders Dave Abbott and John Langridge, and a move at Brooklands on lap 2 saw me move from 3rd to 1st. I had to defend from John for a couple of laps, but as soon as the tow was broken I was able to pull away and take the win by 3 seconds.
Very much looking forward to the second meeting of the year at Snetterton in 3 weeks.
Full results can be seen here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/121431ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/001FFCreport2012Silverstone.pdf
Championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
In contrast to friday testing, practice was wet, but quickly drying. Fastest lap was set near the start of the session before the tyres got too hot, ending 5 tenths up. The track dried in time for qualifying on saturday afternoon, the session was split into two with a red flag, but managed to get pole by 3 tenths.
More rain on Saturday night saw a wet start to Sunday, much like Saturday. Everyone started on wets, but the track was drying quickly. A good start developed into a healthy 5.5 second lead, but a late safety car wiped all of this out. Restart saw Nick Bowers back on my tail, but managed to hold him off and win by 8 tenths.
New for 2012 is success ballast and reverse grids, the grid draw saw the top 8 from race 1 reversed for the start of race 2, and 30kgs added to the winner. The weather dried out for race 2. A good start saw me gain a position on the run to the first corner, then a crash at the front saw me jump from 7th to 3rd. It only took a lap to catch the early leaders Dave Abbott and John Langridge, and a move at Brooklands on lap 2 saw me move from 3rd to 1st. I had to defend from John for a couple of laps, but as soon as the tow was broken I was able to pull away and take the win by 3 seconds.
Very much looking forward to the second meeting of the year at Snetterton in 3 weeks.
Full results can be seen here: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2012/121431ffi.pdf
Race report can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/001FFCreport2012Silverstone.pdf
Championship positions can be found here: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/PointsFiestaSenior2012.pdf
04/04/12 - R1+R2 Silverstone preview
The 2012 calender kicks off at Silverstone national circuit with the first two rounds. Testing on the friday to check over the car and re-familiarise myself to the circuit. I'm hoping I can have a more sucessful start to the season than last year!
Timetable for Rounds 1 and 2 Silverstone on 6th/7th April has now been released:
http://www.brscc.co.uk/assets/timetable---silverstone-7-8-april-2012-issue-2.pdf
Entry list:
http://www.brscc.co.uk/assets/entry-list---silverstone-7-8th-april.pdf
Timetable for Rounds 1 and 2 Silverstone on 6th/7th April has now been released:
http://www.brscc.co.uk/assets/timetable---silverstone-7-8-april-2012-issue-2.pdf
Entry list:
http://www.brscc.co.uk/assets/entry-list---silverstone-7-8th-april.pdf
06.11.11 - Walter Hayes trophy
Best race meeting of 2011 was the last, with the James Beckett organised Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone. 101 entrants for the ff1600 event wasnt as big as in previous years, but still a mighty entry with some impressive names.
Testing didnt start well, with an engine failure on the first morning. Team mate, 2011 Castle Combe ff1600 champion, one of the event favourites Rob Hall was kind enough to lend me his spare engine for the remainer of the event. Fridays testing was wet again, so heading into the meeting I was still yet to drive Silvertone in a single seater in the dry!
Qualifying was again wet, I was in heat 5, managing to qualify 4th overall beating some quality ff1600 regulars. By the time the race came around in the afternoon it has started to dry, I was hoping not to drop too many places to ensure I progressed straight through to the semi-final. This was not to be however, as David Guinn tried to overtake me around the outside into Copse, turning in a breaking my front upright - the weekends first trip into the gravel. This would mean I would have to come from the back of the qualification races on Sunday morning to progress towards the final.
The car was fixed overnight with a new upright fitted. Starting 24th in the progression race I managed to work my way up into 3rd position qualifying for the last chance race. Starting 27th for the last chance race it was sure to be more difficult to progress through the field, however after an intresting race, avoiding some incidents at the start I managed to make 8th by the finish, hence qualify for the semi-final.
I was drawn in semi final 2 starting 25th, after a couple of starts due to incidents, I had a great race making 14th by the finish, even though we almost ran out of fuel due to the restarts! We also picked up some damage to the rear suspension and exhaust after running off track, unfortunately due to the races being so close together it was unable to be fixed, so it was cross my fingers and hope it held together!
The result in the semi meant I qualified for the final, in 27th place. I wasnt expecing to progress much in this race due to the quality of the drivers I was racing against, most in cars over 10 years newer than mine!
I had a decent start, and managed to mix it with the midfield pack. Avoiding a few incidents, and pulling off a couple of passes, I finished my first Walter Hayes in 16th overall, 2nd pre-90 car, only 2 places behind the 89 Reynard driven by former event winner Neil Fowler. Chuffed with the result doesnt even come close!
Cant wait to return next year
Testing didnt start well, with an engine failure on the first morning. Team mate, 2011 Castle Combe ff1600 champion, one of the event favourites Rob Hall was kind enough to lend me his spare engine for the remainer of the event. Fridays testing was wet again, so heading into the meeting I was still yet to drive Silvertone in a single seater in the dry!
Qualifying was again wet, I was in heat 5, managing to qualify 4th overall beating some quality ff1600 regulars. By the time the race came around in the afternoon it has started to dry, I was hoping not to drop too many places to ensure I progressed straight through to the semi-final. This was not to be however, as David Guinn tried to overtake me around the outside into Copse, turning in a breaking my front upright - the weekends first trip into the gravel. This would mean I would have to come from the back of the qualification races on Sunday morning to progress towards the final.
The car was fixed overnight with a new upright fitted. Starting 24th in the progression race I managed to work my way up into 3rd position qualifying for the last chance race. Starting 27th for the last chance race it was sure to be more difficult to progress through the field, however after an intresting race, avoiding some incidents at the start I managed to make 8th by the finish, hence qualify for the semi-final.
I was drawn in semi final 2 starting 25th, after a couple of starts due to incidents, I had a great race making 14th by the finish, even though we almost ran out of fuel due to the restarts! We also picked up some damage to the rear suspension and exhaust after running off track, unfortunately due to the races being so close together it was unable to be fixed, so it was cross my fingers and hope it held together!
The result in the semi meant I qualified for the final, in 27th place. I wasnt expecing to progress much in this race due to the quality of the drivers I was racing against, most in cars over 10 years newer than mine!
I had a decent start, and managed to mix it with the midfield pack. Avoiding a few incidents, and pulling off a couple of passes, I finished my first Walter Hayes in 16th overall, 2nd pre-90 car, only 2 places behind the 89 Reynard driven by former event winner Neil Fowler. Chuffed with the result doesnt even come close!
Cant wait to return next year
16.10.11 - R15+R16 Brands Hatch report
After a mamouth effort rebuilding the car after the damaged sustained at Rockingham I was looking forward to getting back in the ST for the final round at Brands Hatch. We still had a bent rear beam, as it could not be fully straightened, and no new tyres for this round so it was a meeting for fun rather than results.
Although the car wasnt handling as I would have liked, the meeting started suprisingly well with fastest in free practice, this was follwed up by 3rd in qualifying, less than a tenth off pole!
I didnt get the best start in race 1, dropping a place on the run to turn one to Harry Cockhill, but Ed Cockhill left the door wide open at Paddock. Jumping into the gap the rear stepped out, somehow I managed to hold onto it, but lost a place on the run to Druids. I worked my way back into third, and although the car developed a severe braking problem halfway though the race, where the ABS kept kicking in, I stayed there until the finish.
Race 2 was probably my shortest ever race, I had a half decent start, but even after a drastic setup change, the rear still wouldnt stick, and I managed to stick it in the gravel at the first corner, just about summing up my season!
Bring on Silverstone in the Walter Hayes Trophy in November
Although the car wasnt handling as I would have liked, the meeting started suprisingly well with fastest in free practice, this was follwed up by 3rd in qualifying, less than a tenth off pole!
I didnt get the best start in race 1, dropping a place on the run to turn one to Harry Cockhill, but Ed Cockhill left the door wide open at Paddock. Jumping into the gap the rear stepped out, somehow I managed to hold onto it, but lost a place on the run to Druids. I worked my way back into third, and although the car developed a severe braking problem halfway though the race, where the ABS kept kicking in, I stayed there until the finish.
Race 2 was probably my shortest ever race, I had a half decent start, but even after a drastic setup change, the rear still wouldnt stick, and I managed to stick it in the gravel at the first corner, just about summing up my season!
Bring on Silverstone in the Walter Hayes Trophy in November
01.10.11 - Castle Combe carnival review
What a blast! Qualifying was a good result, I managed my target 1.12, qualifying 6th overall, less than 1 tenth behind my brother! Efforts to improve further resulted in a fast spin at Camp and radiators full of grass, end of session.
The race was going to be a little more difficult. A decent start put me ahead of my brother Luke, but we both got jumped by a fast starting Oliver Bull. Luke quickly re-passed me, and Olly and set off in chase of Ed Moore. I managed to just about hold on to the cars in front, even managing to breifly pass my brother again, after he was held up by a retiring Moore and dropped back into the clutches of the cars behind.
Finishing a strong 6th overall and a comfortable pre-90 victory was a mega result, definately got me hooked on single seater racing!
The next outing is in the ST at Brands Hatch at the formula ford festival, then its back in the formula ford for the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone in November.
The race was going to be a little more difficult. A decent start put me ahead of my brother Luke, but we both got jumped by a fast starting Oliver Bull. Luke quickly re-passed me, and Olly and set off in chase of Ed Moore. I managed to just about hold on to the cars in front, even managing to breifly pass my brother again, after he was held up by a retiring Moore and dropped back into the clutches of the cars behind.
Finishing a strong 6th overall and a comfortable pre-90 victory was a mega result, definately got me hooked on single seater racing!
The next outing is in the ST at Brands Hatch at the formula ford festival, then its back in the formula ford for the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone in November.
29.09.11 - Castle Combe carnival preview
Second test day in a formula ford was limited to a mornings run only. A 1.13.03 was a good start on the old tyres, before my first two spins! Thankfully the missfire was fixed. Before we could fit the new tyres a broken engine mount was found. New tyres were fitted and a few laps completed, 1.13.4 was the best that could be managed.
After the broken engine mount bolt could not be removed, it was decided to use the afternoon to strip the car down the replace the bush in the chassis.
Looking forward to my first single seater race, should hopefully be in for a decent result.
After the broken engine mount bolt could not be removed, it was decided to use the afternoon to strip the car down the replace the bush in the chassis.
Looking forward to my first single seater race, should hopefully be in for a decent result.
22.09.11 - Castle Combe test
My first test in a formula ford was awesome. Fitting my lanky frame into the tight cockpit was a challenge, getting used to the laid down driving position and buffeting of the head was a little strange sensation. Within 10 laps I had got down to a 1.13.7, within 2 sessions a 1.13.0. Unfortunately the test day was cut a little short as the car developed a missfire, so a new coilpack and ignition module ordered for another go next week. Hopefully a setup and some new tyres will see a 1.12!
September news
I am making my single seater debut in Jim Hamiltons Van Diemen RF89 formula ford 1600 at Castle Combes end of season carnival. In preperation I am planning on doing one of the pre race tests to get used to the car, as I am sure it will be miles apart from the Fiestas I have raced! Looking forward to a new challenge.
August news
Due to the damaged sustained at Rockingham it has been decided to skip the next couple of rounds at Snetterton and Lydden to properly repair the car, with a planned return at Brands Hatch at the formula ford festival in October.
17/07/11 - R9+R10 Rockingham review
First time at Rockingham was intresting. Started well, ended badly - again! Did not have my ECU back from Ford, so I had to strip my mates road car to borrow his for the weekend!
Testing was dry, spent most of the day adjusting my driving and the car to suit the track. Practice was wet, the first proper wet session of the year and the first time I had got to experience the Dunlop wets, quite spectacular! 2nd fastest 8 thousands off fastest David Grady.
Qualifying was dry, wasnt totally happy with the balance, but 3rd 3 tenths off pole was a good result.
It rained for race 1, I was really looking forward to this race and I thought I had a really good chance to win. Unfortunately I was spun out on the 3rd corner, and t-boned by 3 cars. This caused some serious damage to the front and side of the car, including loosing a large chunk of the NSR wheel rim, causing an instant puncture. Although I dropped to last (16th), some way behind the pack, I managed to manage a very ill handling car to set the 8th fastest lap! and finish in 9th place!
Some serious effort was made to try and straighten the car out for the second race, but two very bent chassis legs and a bent rear beam could not be rectified in the few hours we had to prepare. To make matters worse it had completely dried out by now. Although the car wasnt great to drive, somehow I managed to work my way up to 4th and set the 4th fastest lap after another awesome battle with Nick Bowers.
Testing was dry, spent most of the day adjusting my driving and the car to suit the track. Practice was wet, the first proper wet session of the year and the first time I had got to experience the Dunlop wets, quite spectacular! 2nd fastest 8 thousands off fastest David Grady.
Qualifying was dry, wasnt totally happy with the balance, but 3rd 3 tenths off pole was a good result.
It rained for race 1, I was really looking forward to this race and I thought I had a really good chance to win. Unfortunately I was spun out on the 3rd corner, and t-boned by 3 cars. This caused some serious damage to the front and side of the car, including loosing a large chunk of the NSR wheel rim, causing an instant puncture. Although I dropped to last (16th), some way behind the pack, I managed to manage a very ill handling car to set the 8th fastest lap! and finish in 9th place!
Some serious effort was made to try and straighten the car out for the second race, but two very bent chassis legs and a bent rear beam could not be rectified in the few hours we had to prepare. To make matters worse it had completely dried out by now. Although the car wasnt great to drive, somehow I managed to work my way up to 4th and set the 4th fastest lap after another awesome battle with Nick Bowers.
26/06/11 - R7+R8 Brands Hatch review
It would be a slight understatement to say the weekend didnt quite go to plan!
A pre-meeting test at Brands a couple of weeks before highlighted some suspension issues, plus a ill timed work trip meant I missed the pre-race weekend test.
The car felt good during practice on Saturday morning, but the new Galfer pads warped a brake disc. For the afternoon ew discs meant the first few laps of qualifying was having to bed the brake discs in. The car felt mega, and took my first pole by just under a tenth of a second from Matt Parr.
Race 1 - starting on pole at Brands is never ideal, especially if the guy on second can hook a decent start, Matt Parr shot into the lead. Although I could keep him honest for the whole race, while keeping off the close attentions of David Grady, I was never close enough to mount a proper challenge. With a couple of setup changes I was feeling confident for race 2. . . .
Sunday afternoon saw race 2, this time I was starting on the outside of the front row, and hoping to maximise my position to get the lead off the line. Unfortunately for me Matt Parr made another cracking start, and we were side by side until Druids. I managed to cut back to get the lead out of Graham Hill down Cooper straight, but a slightly over optimistic line defending from Parr into Clearways saw me spin in the lead. Somehow I managed to hold onto it, and only drop a a place. Unfortunately I pushed too hard next lap around trying to make up for my initial mistake and dropped it into the gravel, going from 2nd to 11th. I managed to get back to 7th by the end of the race after an epic battle with Matt Foley and Nick Bowers.
All of this was in vein however. The ECU was stripped from the car after the race and sent to Fords test facility at Dunsford, which it subsequently failed one of the tests. This meant I was disqualified from the race, and also had a 32 point penalty applied, dropping me from 3rd to 10th in the points! Championship over . . . .
A pre-meeting test at Brands a couple of weeks before highlighted some suspension issues, plus a ill timed work trip meant I missed the pre-race weekend test.
The car felt good during practice on Saturday morning, but the new Galfer pads warped a brake disc. For the afternoon ew discs meant the first few laps of qualifying was having to bed the brake discs in. The car felt mega, and took my first pole by just under a tenth of a second from Matt Parr.
Race 1 - starting on pole at Brands is never ideal, especially if the guy on second can hook a decent start, Matt Parr shot into the lead. Although I could keep him honest for the whole race, while keeping off the close attentions of David Grady, I was never close enough to mount a proper challenge. With a couple of setup changes I was feeling confident for race 2. . . .
Sunday afternoon saw race 2, this time I was starting on the outside of the front row, and hoping to maximise my position to get the lead off the line. Unfortunately for me Matt Parr made another cracking start, and we were side by side until Druids. I managed to cut back to get the lead out of Graham Hill down Cooper straight, but a slightly over optimistic line defending from Parr into Clearways saw me spin in the lead. Somehow I managed to hold onto it, and only drop a a place. Unfortunately I pushed too hard next lap around trying to make up for my initial mistake and dropped it into the gravel, going from 2nd to 11th. I managed to get back to 7th by the end of the race after an epic battle with Matt Foley and Nick Bowers.
All of this was in vein however. The ECU was stripped from the car after the race and sent to Fords test facility at Dunsford, which it subsequently failed one of the tests. This meant I was disqualified from the race, and also had a 32 point penalty applied, dropping me from 3rd to 10th in the points! Championship over . . . .
22/06/11 - R7+R8 Brands Hatch preview
This weekend the Ford Fiesta Championship visits Modified Live at Brands Hatch for Rounds 7 and 8 . Brands Hatch is the first circuit of 2011 where I have visited before so hopefully will leave me a little more prepared! I really enjoy the challenges Brands Hatch Indy circuit presents, and had a good first vist there back in October last year so I am really looking forward to this one. Wish me luck!
16/05/11 - R5+R6 Donington Park review
What a mega weekend! Went to Donington for the first time on a track evening session on the monday prior to the event in what turned out to be the exact mix of conditions that I would experience come race day, a mix of rain and showers. Left Donington feeling very confident and abosutley loving the circuit.
On saturday free practice was a little dissapointing, although second fastest was a massive 6 tenths off David Grady, the car not handling as I would have liked. Qualifying was slightly better after some setup changes, 2nd again but still 4 tenths off.
Sunday morning we were all prepaing for a wet race with some very dark clouds looming, raining lightly, but not enough for wets. I had a reasonable initial getaway, but had some wheelspin in 2nd gear and had to take avoiding action at the first corner not to be taken off, dropped to 5th, but managed to get back up to 2nd on lap 2. With the level of rain constantly changing it was a lottery how much grip you would get at each corner each lap. Harry Cockhill managed to hold onto the lead until he made a mistake at the old hairpin on lap 8, where I grabbed 1st and maintained a healthy gap until the chequered flag, taking my first ever overall victory by 3.4 seconds.
Race 2 on Sunday afternoon was dry, David Grady got a good start from P2 to gain the lead on the run to the first corner, even with a safety car interval he could not be headed, to be within 4 tenths for all 8 racing laps of the 12 lap race was as close as I could get. It took until the 3rd round but finally got a result worth all the effort. Really looking forward to Brands Hatch now, the first circuit in the calender that I have raced at before!
On saturday free practice was a little dissapointing, although second fastest was a massive 6 tenths off David Grady, the car not handling as I would have liked. Qualifying was slightly better after some setup changes, 2nd again but still 4 tenths off.
Sunday morning we were all prepaing for a wet race with some very dark clouds looming, raining lightly, but not enough for wets. I had a reasonable initial getaway, but had some wheelspin in 2nd gear and had to take avoiding action at the first corner not to be taken off, dropped to 5th, but managed to get back up to 2nd on lap 2. With the level of rain constantly changing it was a lottery how much grip you would get at each corner each lap. Harry Cockhill managed to hold onto the lead until he made a mistake at the old hairpin on lap 8, where I grabbed 1st and maintained a healthy gap until the chequered flag, taking my first ever overall victory by 3.4 seconds.
Race 2 on Sunday afternoon was dry, David Grady got a good start from P2 to gain the lead on the run to the first corner, even with a safety car interval he could not be headed, to be within 4 tenths for all 8 racing laps of the 12 lap race was as close as I could get. It took until the 3rd round but finally got a result worth all the effort. Really looking forward to Brands Hatch now, the first circuit in the calender that I have raced at before!
28/04/11 -R5+R6 Donington Park preview
Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2011 Dunlop Competition Car Insurance is at Donington park. Again it is a new circuit for me, but so far this season I have been able to pick tracks up very quickly. My brother is racing here aswell in the BRSCC FF1600 races so will be a busy weekend for the Cooper family!
Timetable for rounds 5 and 6 at Donington park on 14/15 May has been released:
http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/Timetable-Donington14_15May2011-Issue1.pdf
Timetable for rounds 5 and 6 at Donington park on 14/15 May has been released:
http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/Timetable-Donington14_15May2011-Issue1.pdf
28/04/11 - R3+R4 Snetterton review
Second meeting of the year at Snetterton was a mix of highs and lows. Only had thursday afternoon to learn the circuit, which is definately not enough especially on a circuit as long and technical as the new 3 mile Snetterton 300 layout! Plagued by overheating issues during the hot afternoon I was extatic to be within half a second of the pace setter by end of play. A couple of days off at the circuit gave time to repair a faulty fan and prepare the car for the weekends races.
Free practice went very well, getting quicker and quicker with every lap as I learnt the circuit ending fastest overall, feeling confident for a strong qualifying. A wheel bearing and 4th gear synco failures at the start of qualifying was frustrating, causing me to miss the window to get the best from the new tyres, 4th as a result was dissapointing. The top 6 were covered by just over half a second, which on such a long lap shows the strength of the competition and the importance of a strong qualifying.
I had a fantastic start in race 1 to get up into 2nd place, but a small mistake at Oggies and the subsequent trip on the grass dropped me down to 7th. Fighting back to 5th and challanging for 4th when the race was reg flagged. Although the result was dissapointing the pace was there to win. Race 2 saw another good start, but I got boxed in at Montreal hairpin and dropped to 6th, managed to get back to 4th and on the back of 3rd before a safety car was brought out for another accident. Again showing strong pace, just not the results to show for it, hopefully at the next round at Donington Park the pace can be converted into a strong result.
Official results: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2011/111632.pdf
Free practice went very well, getting quicker and quicker with every lap as I learnt the circuit ending fastest overall, feeling confident for a strong qualifying. A wheel bearing and 4th gear synco failures at the start of qualifying was frustrating, causing me to miss the window to get the best from the new tyres, 4th as a result was dissapointing. The top 6 were covered by just over half a second, which on such a long lap shows the strength of the competition and the importance of a strong qualifying.
I had a fantastic start in race 1 to get up into 2nd place, but a small mistake at Oggies and the subsequent trip on the grass dropped me down to 7th. Fighting back to 5th and challanging for 4th when the race was reg flagged. Although the result was dissapointing the pace was there to win. Race 2 saw another good start, but I got boxed in at Montreal hairpin and dropped to 6th, managed to get back to 4th and on the back of 3rd before a safety car was brought out for another accident. Again showing strong pace, just not the results to show for it, hopefully at the next round at Donington Park the pace can be converted into a strong result.
Official results: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2011/111632.pdf
20/04/11 - R3+R4 Snetterton preview
This bank holiday weekend is rounds 3 and 4 at Snetterton. Again it is a new circuit for me, hopefuly I can pick it up quickly. Car needed a little bit of TLC after some heavy contact from the first round at Silverstone, but is all back together now and raring to go. See you there!
Timetable for rounds 3 and 4 at Snetterton on 24/25th April has been released:
http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/TimetableSN24_25April2011-Issue2.pdf
Timetable for rounds 3 and 4 at Snetterton on 24/25th April has been released:
http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/TimetableSN24_25April2011-Issue2.pdf
11/04/11 - R1+R2 Silverstone review
First meeting of the year at Silverstone didnt quite go to plan. Started off very well learning the circuit fast and showing good pace on the Friday test, however the car developed an fault by the end of the day where it kept cutting out. Very pleased with 2nd fastest in the Saturday free practice session, but frustratingly the cutting out issue was getting worse. In qualifying luckily managed to get a few trouble free laps in and bag 4th on the grid before it cut out leaving me stranded on the side of the circuit. Chief mechanic Dave Grey and I ripped into the car on Saturday night and replaced lots of parts in hope to fix the issue for the Sunday races.
Had a decent start in race 1 to grab 3rd off the line which I held until I was given a drive though penalty for "exceeding track limits" which frustratingly dropped me to 21st. I managed to work my way back to 16th by the end of the race. Starting race 2 in 16th I had worked my way upto 4th place before getting knocked off the circuit down to 8th, but grabbed 7th back nearing the end of the last lap. Frustrating weekend it terms of results, but showed promicing pace when everything was working well. Learnt alot on getting the best from the slick tyres and working on a consistant race setup, very much looking forward to Snetterton on the 24th and 25th April now.
Full results: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2011/111431.pdf
Official race report: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/0001ReportSilverstone10APR2011.pdf
Points table: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/FiestaPoints2011.pdf
Had a decent start in race 1 to grab 3rd off the line which I held until I was given a drive though penalty for "exceeding track limits" which frustratingly dropped me to 21st. I managed to work my way back to 16th by the end of the race. Starting race 2 in 16th I had worked my way upto 4th place before getting knocked off the circuit down to 8th, but grabbed 7th back nearing the end of the last lap. Frustrating weekend it terms of results, but showed promicing pace when everything was working well. Learnt alot on getting the best from the slick tyres and working on a consistant race setup, very much looking forward to Snetterton on the 24th and 25th April now.
Full results: http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2011/111431.pdf
Official race report: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/0001ReportSilverstone10APR2011.pdf
Points table: http://www.fordracing.eu/documents/FiestaPoints2011.pdf
28/03/11 - R1+R2 Silverstone preview
With less than two weeks until the first meeting, final preperations to the car and team equipment are taking place. This will be my first meeting at Silverstone, however my younger brother Luke, who is racing in the FF1600's at the same meeting has been to Silverstone a couple of times, so I will be taking advice from him for once!
Timetable for Rounds 1 and 2 Silverstone on 9/10th April has now been released:
http://www.brscc.co.uk/2011/timetable/TT_SLV_10APR.pdf
Tickets can be purchased from the Silverstone website:
http://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/British-Racing-Sports-Car-Club-April/?tab=Book-Now
Timetable for Rounds 1 and 2 Silverstone on 9/10th April has now been released:
http://www.brscc.co.uk/2011/timetable/TT_SLV_10APR.pdf
Tickets can be purchased from the Silverstone website:
http://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/British-Racing-Sports-Car-Club-April/?tab=Book-Now
14/03/2011 -Pre season test
My first outing of 2011 was a shakedown test at Castle Combe on Friday 11/03/11, showing lap record pace first time out was really positive. With 4 weeks until the first round at Silverstone on 9th/10th April, I have time to polish off the last fews bits on the car and prepare myself for the long season ahead. Hope to see you all there. P.S. Don't forget to catch the races on Motors TV!
10/03/2011 - 2011 preview
Thank goodness the longer winter wait is over, the 2011 racing season is finally here!
In preperation for my first season in the UK Ford Fiesta ST championship I have been busy giving the Ex Ben Roper and Mark Tilbury championship winning car a full nut and bolt rebuild to make sure it is 100% for the season ahead.
In preperation for my first season in the UK Ford Fiesta ST championship I have been busy giving the Ex Ben Roper and Mark Tilbury championship winning car a full nut and bolt rebuild to make sure it is 100% for the season ahead.